Repeating toy gun



June 24, 1952 J. K. POPE REPEATING TOY GUN 2 SHEETS- SHEET l 9 .4 9 l 8, l l .l m. A d e l .l F

llllllllllllllllllllll l INVENTOR.

JAMES K.POPE

ATTORNE SA June 24, 1952 J. K. POPE REPEATING TOY GUN 2 SHEETS- SHEET 2 Filed April 1s, 1949 infix), l N I l INVENToR.

JAMES KPOPE BY www ATTO NEYS Patented June 24, 1952 REPEATING TOY GUN James K. Pope,Pleasant Ridge, Mich. Application April 18, 1949, Serial No. 88,151

11 Claims.

The present invention relates to a repeating toy gun.

According to the present invention a gun is provided which is capable of projecting a series of projectiles such for example as table tennis balls, without the necessity of reloading the gun after each discharge. In general terms, the gun 'is provided with a magazine which advances the balls serially to a discharge chamber. This chamber is oi` a size sufcent to receive a plurality, and preferably two, of the projectiles. The chamber is provided with a charging port and a discharge port and sealing means are provided to seal the foremost projectile at the discharge port and to seal the rearmost projectile at the charging port. An air inlet port is provided into the chamber intermediate the charging and discharge ports. When air is admitted under pressure into the chamber it forces the rearmost projectile rearwardly into sealing relation with sealing means provided at the charging port. Thereafter, as the pressure in the chamber increases the foremost ball is expelled through the discharge port. The discharge port is provided with a resilient sealing ring which opposes movement of a projectile therethrough.

In accordance with the foregoing general description it is an object of the present invention to provide a toy gun having associated therewith a manually operable pump for effecting discharge of a series of balls or other projectiles without requiring the necessity of reloading the gun after each discharge.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a toy gun having associated therewith a magazine for receiving a plurality of projectiles, the discharge of the projectiles being effected by repeated operation of a manually operable pump.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a toy gun having associated therewith a generally annular lmagazine for the reception of a plurality of projectiles which are discharged serially by repeated operation of a manually operable pump.

It is a feature of the present invention to provide a toy gun having an elongated chamber therein provided with spaced charging and discharge ports, each of which is provided with resilient sealing rings engageable with a projectile located within the chamber and adjacent the respective ports.

It is a further feature of the present invention to provide a gun having a chamber of the type described which is provided further with an intermediate sealing ring which remains in sealing engagement with the rearmost projectile in the chamber between limits of movement of the projectile which are determined by seating of the foremost projectile on the sealing ring adjacent the discharge port with the projectiles in contact and by seating of the rearmost Aprojectile on the sealing ring adjacent the charging port. y,

Other objects andV features of the invention will become apparent as the description proceeds, v

especially when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein: v

Figure 1 is a side elevation of a toy gun with parts in section. v

Figure 2 is an enlarged sectional view discharge end of the gun.

Figure 3 is a sectional View on the line 3 3, Figure 1.

Figure 4 is a sectional view on the line 4 4, Figure 2.

Figure 5 is a side elevation partly in section of a somewhat different embodiment of gun.

Figure 6 is a section on the line 6 6, Figure 5.

Figure 7 is an enlarged sectional view on the line 1 1, Figure 6.

Referring now to Figures 1 through 4, the gun is illustrated as comprising a stock or frame I0 on which is mounted a tubular magazine I2 provided with a loading port I4 through which projectiles may be introduced. While projectiles of different shape may be employed, excellent results are obtained when table tennis balls are employed therefor. i

Located within the magazine l2 is a plunger I6 having an operating linger piece I8 extending laterally therefrom through an elongated slot 20 provided in the magazine. A compression spring 22 is provided at the rear of the plunger I6 and urges the same forwardly, thus urging a sequence of projectiles such as indicated at 24, forwardly of the gun.

At the forward end of the magazine I2 is provided a chamber indicated generally at l26. The rear end of the chamber is open to provide a charging port indicated at 28. In actual .practice the rear end of the chamber 26 is illustrated as formed by an enlarged portion of the of the forward end of the magazine I2 although \ob-` viously other constructions could be employed.

Surrounding the charging port 28 is a resilient rubber sealing ring 30.- As best seen in Figure 2, the side of the sealing ring'30 opposite to the chamber 26 is engaged by a radial portion 32. The inner side of the ring 30 is engaged by an annular member 34. The annular surface 32 engages the side of the ring 30 throughout a zone which extends closer to the inner edge of the ring than does the member 34. Accordingly, the projectiles 24 may pass through the charge port into the chamber 2E with a minimum of resistance. However, the dimensions of the portion 32 are such that return movement of the projectiles through the charging port is effectively prevented. Thus for example, the dimensions of the partsmay be such that actual compression of the rubber material of the ring 30 would be required for return movement of he projectile. On the other hand, movement of the projectile from the magazine into the chamber merely results in flexing and stretching of the ring 30.

The forward end of the chamber 26 isprovided with a discharge port 36 which is provided with a sealing ring 38. In this case the sealing ring 38 may be formed 0f rubber or other resilient materials. It is Vsupported at its-outer surface by 'a radial portion 4U of a ring 42, and1at its inner surf aceby -a short radially extending ange 4`4. Again, the radial portion T40 Awhich engages thefoutersurface of the Yring '33, extends ito a pointfsubs'tantially closer `toits-inner edge than doesthe flange"44. Accordingly, thering'38 offers a substantial force opposing discharge of --the ballor projectile through the discharge port.. The dimensions of the 4parts 'may be such that actual compression of thegrubber material of .the ring 38 is required to permit -passage of the projectile therethrough.

VIn any event, the construction of and the supports for the sealing rings -38 and V38 are .such that as air pressure is builtup in the'chamberl26, discharge movement of the foremost ball-inrcontact with the ring 38 will take place, While =re turnmovement of the rearmost ball 24 is effectively prevented by the ring 34.

A lthird resilient sealing 'ring "46 `is provided in thelnterior-o'f-the chamber-26 andis arranged to maintainI sealing contact-with the'rearmost ball I4 `in the chamberl 'throughoutitslimit of motion. The limit of motion of the rearmost ball is determined in the 4first instance by engagement of lthe foremost vvball -or `projectile '24 Ywith thering T38 while the Irearmost ball 24 .is in contact therewith. 'The-other limitoffmotion takes placewhentherearmostfballisforceclrearwardly byair pressure into sealing engagement with the sealingrring'3'0.

A pump indicated generally at 350 is provided which includes a fixed piston 52 Vmountedon a piston-rod 54, and Ia `longitudinally slidable cylinderli. The piston rod'4 isof a hollow section asindicated at 58 and communicates with a central opening 59 through the piston'52. Accordingly,as the .cylinder 55 ris 'movedto theleft as seen rin Figure 2, airfis compressedto the right of the piston 52 and is .forced through'the piston rod T54. 'The lrear vend of the piston rod 54 is connected by Vsuitable tubing i0 to anfinletport 62 Lwhichleads into'the interiori-of the chamber 28, Yand specically between `the sealing krings A'4t and38zthereof.

`Tlrie` operation of 'the toy should :be apparent fromthefforegoing description but for completeness itiwill be reviewed. The strength of the spring 22 fis selected l:such that the `plunger l' urgestheprojectiles in the magazine forwardlyl until ithe foremost rprojectile isk seatedagainst the ring 318. The ring 38-opposes further movementofthe .projectiles forwardly with sufficient 'force to resisttheforwardfmovement oftthe ballsuntil air :pressure has vbeen applied. The :sealing Arings 30 and 45 may ilex to the right as seen in Figure 2 under the force applied by the spring 22.n Before discharging the first projectile the rearmost projectile within the chamber 26 is thus in sealing engagement with the relatively light flexible sealing ring 46 and is in contact with the foremost projectile. It is therefore spaced forwardly from the rear sealing ring .33. As air under pressure is admitted through theport B2 its first eifect is to move the rearmost ball in the ,chamber 2S rearwardly into sealing engagement with the resilient stop ring 30. In some cases it Vmay be possible toomit the relatively light sealing ring 4G and to depend upon a. substantial flow of air to force the rearmost projectile rearwardly intoy engagement with the ring 30. However, better results are obtained when the sealing ring 46 is employed since loss of air flowing out of the chamber 26 `past the rearmost ball is thus avoided. After the rearmost ball has been seated on the stop ring 3D the further introduction of air under pressureintoathe chamberhuilds up forces tending to. movethe foremost ball .outwardly against opposition aifordedby the'sealing `ring 38. 'When La sufficient air .pressure .has been built up the foremost` projectile 38 :is :expelled kwith considerable force kand with 4a noise which is particularly pleasing to the juvenile users of the toy. As soonas the foremost ball vhas thus been expelled from the chamber ,the spring 22 moves the entire series of balls'forwardlyiso that, the ball which formed a. sealing closureifor` the rrear of the chamberdurngexpulsion vof the first ball, now moves forwardly into engagement with the sealing ring 38. Thereafter the operation may be repeated -as rapidlyaszdesired until the supply of balls has been expended. 4It willfhe observed tof course that one ball will'remainin the chamber 2B since it isne'cessary'fory two balls to be inthis chamberto effect expulsion of .the firstball.

Referringnow to Figures' to there "is illustrated 'a somewhat different embodiment Lof the invention. -Infthis case,'the toy comprisesfa stock 15 which .is provided with a forwardly extending member vl1. At the forward end of themember TT is a handle 'I9 which is provided atitsl upper end with a guide loop 8B. Alsoextending for- Wardly from the handle or stock 15 visaiiXed piston rod'82 carrying at its forward end a .piston 84. Slidablyassociated with the piston rodi! is a cylinder 86 closed at its rear end .by `a `plug 88 to which is also secured-an-operating handle 93. With the parts in the relationshipl illustrated in Figure 5 the operating handle 9j] may be'moved forwardly thus moving the cylinder-86 forwardly with respect to the fxedpiston '84. Thereafter return movement of the handle '9,0 compresses the'air in the cylinder to-the right ofthe piston84.

At the forward end ofthe cylinder 86is'a bodyr 92 having a chamber 94 therein. At theforward end of the chamber S4 is a'discharge portindicated generally at 3S which is surrounded with a rubber sealing ring 98. The sealing ring asin the embodiment previously described, is preferably supported at its outer'surface bya ringgBS which is dimensioned to'require actual compression ofthe rubber as the ball is expelled. Accordingly, the ring 93 is designed to aifordssubstantial opposition to movement of a projectile outwardly from the chamber 94 therethrough. :An air inlet port IQ!) connects the forward end-of the cylinder 86 with the chamber94.

Member 82 is provided with a charging `port indicated at |02 which is provided by an annular member |04 secured to the body 92. Surrounding the charging port |02 is a sealing stop ring which is preferably formed of rubber or the like, and which is so designed and so supported as to permit movement of a projectile therepast into the chamber 94 but to prevent return movement of a projectile out of the chamber 94. For this purpose the ring |06 is preferably supported at its outer surface to a point more closely adjacent its inner edge than it is at its inner surface, as clearly seen in Figure 7.

A magazine IIO, which is preferably of annular shape, is provided and has one end thereof connected to deliver projectiles serially to the chamber 94. The magazine IIO includes a follower H2 and a spring ||4 for urging the follower into engagement with the projectile I I6. The effectiveness of the spring I I4 is so selected in accordance with the design and support of the sealing rings 98 and |06, that in the absence of Aair pressure the foremost ball will -be retained in sealed engagement against the sealing ring 98 which surrounds the discharge port. The second or rearmost ball in the chamber 94 will at this time be in engagementwith the foremost ball and will be spaced somewhat inwardly from the sealing ring |06.

Intermediate the rings 9B and |06 there is preferably provided a relatively thin flexible sealing ring |20 which is effective to remain in sealing engagement with the rearmost ball I I6 whether it is in its forward position in contact with the foremost ball in the chamber 94, or whether it is in its rearmost position in contact with the sealing stop ring |06.

The operation of this embodiment of the invention is substantially identical with that previously described. When the magazine IID has been charged and the plunger |I2 released to advance the series of balls to the chamber 94, the first two balls of the series enter the chamber. Forward motion of the foremost ball is arrested when it engages the sealing ring 90. At

this time the rearmost ball in the chamber 94 is in sealing engagement with the flexible ring I 20 and is spaced somewhat forwardly from the stop ring |06. As air under pressure is introduced through the passage its iirst effect is to move the rearmost ball rearwardly against the force supplied by the spring ||4 until the ball seats on the ring IUE. Thereafter, increase in pressure Within the chamber 94 results in expulsion of the foremost ball against the resistance afforded by the ring 98. As soon as air pressure is released by discharge of the foremost ball, the spring ||4 advances the series of balls so that the first two balls of the series are located within the chamber 94.

Instead of providing a coil compression spring of the type illustrated at I I4 in Figure 6, it will be understood that any other type of spring, such for example as a phonograph type spring, could be employed. It will further be understood that instead of providing the magazine I I 0 in the form of an annulus the same could be provided in the form of a helix so that the number of balls contained therein could be substantially increased.

In both of the embodiments described operation of the gun is entirely automatic with the exception that it requires repeated.. operation of a manually operable pump. It will be evident from the foregoing disclosure however, that the device is adapted to operate in a fully automatic manner if a continuous air supply is introduced into the ball receiving chamber.l Thus when one ball has been discharged air pressure in the chamber is released and the series of balls moves forwardly until the next ball is 1seated on the foremost-sealing ring. Immediately that this occurs, the rearmost ball in the chamber moves rearwardly completing the seal of the chamber and resulting in the discharge of the foremost ball. This operation will continue automatically until all but one of the balls have been' discharged.

It will be obvious that the essential requirement is the provision of means simultaneously arresting rearward movement of the second ball or projectile and affecting an air seal therewith so that the introduction of air under pressure between the two foremost balls will result in forcible expulsion of the foremost ball. Obviously, this result can be accomplished without the provision of the rear sealing ring 30 (as seen in Figure 2) or the sealing ring I 0B (as seen in Figure 7). Instead, mechanical means may be provided for permitting one-way passage of the balls therepast and the air seal may be accomplished by independent means such for example as the flexible sealing ring |20.

The present application is a continuation-inpart of my prior copending application, Serial No. 733,286, now Patent No. 2,505,428.

The drawings and the foregoing specification constitute a description of the improved repeating toy gun in such full, clear, concise and exact terms as to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, the scope of which is indicated by the appended claims.

What I claim as my invention is:

1. A repeater toy gun for projecting a series of projectiles therefrom without requiring reloading which comprises an air compression chamber provided with a discharge opening having a first yieldable sealing ring resisting movement of a projectile outwardly therefrom, an inlet opening in said chamber having a second yieldable sealing ring surrounding said inlet opening and permitting entry of a projectile into said chamber, said rings having internal diameters smaller than the diameter of a projectile, means associated` with said second ring preventing return movement of a projectile out of said chamber, a magazine for presenting a series of projectiles to said chamber, said chamber being dimensioned to receive at least a pair of projectiles simultaneously, and means for admitting air under pressure to said chamber to seat one projectile on said inlet opening and thereafter to 'expel the other projectile from said discharge opening.

2. A gun as dened in claim 1 in which said means associated with said second sealing ring is a rigid annular abutment of larger internal diameter than said second sealing ring at the side of said second sealing ring opposite to said chamber and engageable with said second sealing ring outwardly from its inner edge.

SQA gun as defined in claim 1 in which said second' sealing ring is a nat rubber ring having an internal diameter smaller than the projectiles to be used in the gun, and said means associated with said second sealing ring to prevent return movement of a projectile out of said chamber is a rigid annular abutment engageable with the side of said rubber ring opposite to said chamber, said abutment having an internal diameter slightly larger than that of a projectile.

4. A repeater toy gun for projecting aseries of balls therefrom without requiring reloading :which comprises an air compression chamber dilmensioned, to receive at least a pair of balls simultaneously, an inlet opening into said chamber, 'resilient means for advancing balls through said inlet opening, arrst sealing ring around'said inlet opening. means preventing return of balls through said opening, a discharge opening from said chamber, asecond yieldable sealing ring opposing discharge of a ball therethrough, said rings having internal diameters smaller than the diameter vvof a projectile, and meansfor admitting 'air under vpressure into said chamber.

chamber, athird sealing ring shaped to permit passage of ya projectile therethrough under the impulse of said resilient means, said rings having internal diameters smaller than that of a projectile, said .third ring being located intermediate -said first and second sealing rings to remain in 'sealing engagement with the projectile last introduced into said vchamber and to retain itssealing relation therewith as said projectile is moved rearwardly by air ypressure against the force of said resilient means to seat against said first sealing ring.,

`-6. Arepeater toy gunfor projecting aseries of Iprojectiles therefrom without requiring reloading, which comprises an elongated air compression chamber capable of receiving a pair of projectiles and having a discharge port at one end, a charging port'adjacent the opposite end, a first resilient sealing ring surrounding said discharge .portand'imposing substantial-resistance to passage of sa projectile therethrough, a second seal- `Sing ring surrounding said charging port, said ringshaving internal diameters smaller than that of aiprojectile, means at theside of said second sealing ring Yopposite said chamber to oppose outward deflection of said ring and effective to prevent .movement of a projectile outwardly of said l'chamber therethrough, a Imagazine for present- -ing a series of projectiles to said charging port, resilient meanseffective to move said projectiles forwardly through said charging port and toposition the foremost projectile in engagement with said .first .sealing ring, and an air inlet port in 'said chamber intermediate said charging anddisycharge ports through which air is admitted to Afirst .seat the rearmost projectile on said second vring and thereafter to expel the foremost projectile through said rst ring.

7. A repeater toyzgun for projecting a series of projectiles therefrom Without requiring reloadlng,wh.ich comprises an elongated air compression chamber capable of receiving a pair of projectiles and having a discharge port at one end,

l'acharging port adjacent the opposite end, a rst resilient'sealing ring surrounding said discharge :port 'and having an opening therethrough smaller than said projectiles to impose substantial resistance to Vpassage of a projectile therethrough,

a second sealing'ring surrounding said charging iport, meansat't'he side of said second sealing ring :opposite said :chamber .to oppose outward deflection 'of said second ring and effective to prevent movement of a `projectile outwardly of-,said chamber therethrough, a magazine for presenting a series of projectiles to said charging port, resilient means effective to move said projectiles forwardly through said charging port and to position the'foremost projectile in-engagement with said first sealing ring, a third sealing ring intermediate said rst and second rings and effective to `engage the rearmost projectile in saidchamber and to maintain a sealed relation therewith for any position of said rearmost projectile in said chamber including a rearward positionin which said rearmost projectile is seated on said second ring anda forward position in which said rearmost projectile engages the foremost projectile while said -foremost projectile is seated on said first ring, all of said rings having openings therethrough smaller than said projectiles, and an air inlet port into said chamber located between said first and third sealing rings.

8. A toy gun comprising an elongated air compression ychamber capable of receiving a pair of projectiles, a discharge port in said chamber, a first sealing ring around said port of smaller internal 'diameter than a projectile opposing movement of a projectile therethrough, a charging port in said chamber, a generally annular maga- -zine for receiving a series of projectiles, one end iirst sealing ring around said port of smaller `internal diameter than a projectile opposing movement ofa projectile therethrough, a charging port in said chamber, a magazine for receiving :a plurality of projectiles, one end of said magazine beingin position to deliver-proj ectiles serially into said chamber, a spring in said magazine effective 'to force said projectiles into said chamber, means in said chamber for effecting a seal between the rearmost projectile in said chamber and lsaid `chambe andan air inlet port into said chamber intermediate said projectiles.

l0. A toy `gun comprising generally tubular means for supporting a seriesof balls, a first sealing ring engageable by the foremost ball and shaped to oppose movement of said ball therethrough, a second sealing ring effective to permit .passage of balls therethrough toward said first ring, saidrings having internal diameters smaller than the diameter of a ball, means associated with said second ring to prevent returnl movement of balls therethrough, said second ring being located rearwardly of said rst ring to cooperate with the ball next adjacent to the toremost ball of the series, resilient means urging the series Vof 'balls forwardly with a force suilicient'to move said balls through said second ring :and into engagement with said first ring, and an Iair inlet port located intermediate said rings rto admit air under pressure intermediate 'the first two balls of the series.

11. A toy gun Vcomprising generally tubular means for supporting a series of balls,v a first sealing ring having an internal diameter smaller than a ball engageable by the foremost ball and shaped to oppose movement of said ball therethrough, sealingmeans cooperable vwith the sec- 2,601,555 9 10 0nd bal1 of the series to permit one-waI,T move- REFERENCES CITEDI ment of said balls therepast toward said :first seal- The following references are of record in the ing ring and to prevent return movement of said me of this patent: balls and to provide an air seal therewith, resilient means urging the series of balls forwardly 5 UNITED STATES PATENTS with a force sufficient to move said balls forward- Number Name Date ly to seat the foremost ball on said first ring, and 2,296,834 Boynton Sept. 29, 1942 an air inlet port located intermediate said sealing means and said sealing ring to admit air underY pressure intermediate the `rst two balls of the 10 series.

JAMES K. POPE. 

